07 Jul 2014

Chloropyrifos, an organophosphate used for the control of various pests and diseases is poisonous in humans when absorbed through the skin, swallowed or inhaled and may cause eye irritation.

Responding to a question in parliament on Thursday, the Minister of Health, Dr John Seakgosing said chronic exposure have been linked to neurological effects and developmental disorders.

He further said there are several different chemical classes of pesticides which include organophosphate, neonicotinoids, pyrethroids, n-methyl carbamates, organochlorines and insect growth regulators.

He said there are many common active ingredients classified as organophosphates, (many ending in –phos, -fos, -vos, or –thion). He said organophosphates insecticides inhibit the activity of an enzyme in the nervous system (acetylcholinesterase), leading to overstimulation and dysfunctional of the nervous system.

“This insecticide is registered by the Ministry of Agriculture as an Agrochemical.

In the case of its use on pests, of public health importance, my ministry does provide clearance for licencing purposes by the local authorities,” he said.

He said some countries based on their own scientific findings have banned this pesticide for domestic use and only use it in agriculture. 

He cited the example of USA where he said the pesticide has been banned since 2001 whereas in South Africa it was banned in 2012. “However, in the case of Botswana it is still used for both domestic and agricultural purposes. 

The users are however, advised to use appropriate protective equipment and strictly adhere to the instructions outlined in the material safety data sheets (msds) that must accompany the product as per our standards,” he said.

Dr Seakgosing said no scientific studies have yet been undertaken and that in the case of poisoning, this pesticide has an anti-dote which is available in health facilities.

The Minister was responding to a question by the Member of Parliament for Lobatse, Mr Nehemiah Modubule, who had asked the minister to inform the house how harmful the Chloropyrifos insecticide can be to humans. ENDS